plate no. 2254
From Christiania Harbour
Karl Edvard Diriks, 1912
some experience helpful
This painting helps develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering and color variations. Students will also practice depicting complex scenes with many elements while maintaining a cohesive composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, boats, and harbor, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and land, using thin washes.
- step 04
Develop the details of the buildings and boats, adding layers of paint to create depth and texture.
- step 05
Add the figures and other small details, using a fine brush.
- step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
- step 07
Glaze over the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · sap green
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm browns and grays. Mix ultramarine blue and burnt sienna for darker values.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for layering and dry brushing. Consider using a limited palette to achieve a harmonious color scheme.
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